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Aluminum is naturally attractive and resistant to corrosion. Unlike most other metals, it takes care of itself. When exposed to dry or moist air it combines with oxygen to form a tough, transparent, protective oxide coating. In the presence of moisture, aluminum will not rust as will steel, but under certain conditions aluminum will stain. Such stains are usually found objectionable for esthetic reasons; they have no significant effect on strength but may cause processing problems where additional surface finishing or fabrication is to be performed. Virtually ail staining problems occur during shipping, handling, or storage. Some of the incorrect practices that result in water staining and ways to minimize or avoid the staining are discussed in this pamphlet. A summary of the measures to minimize water staining is provided in Appendix 1 and is reproduced as a handy wall chart, which is included with this pamphlet.

Copies of the chart may be obtained separately from The Aluminum Association.